GET INVOLVED
PROGRAMS
Therapeutic Riding (TR) teaches a person with disabilities how to ride a horse while incorporating a wide range of therapeutic goals. Each lesson is designed to meet physical, educational, emotional and/or social skill goals based on the rider’s individual needs.
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is used to help participant identify, cope, and recover from traumatic events, psychological and mental disorders and addiction.
Reins of Life staff and instructors recognize that classrooms and their dynamics vary greatly. We work with educators to design a program specifically tailored to the needs of each class. This individualized approach may include utilizing two nationally recognized programs: “Cowboy Poetry” and “Marvelous Minis.”
Interactive Vaulting is an activity in which the participants perform movements on and around the horse. Our Interactive Vaulting Instructors are certified through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) in the specialty area of Interactive Vaulting.
Carriage Driving is a fast growing sport. Reins of Life is excited to offer students with physical, mental, sensory, or emotional disabilities the rewards of interaction and control of a horse or pony while driving from a carriage seat.
Equine Encounters is an instructor-lead program that offers support for persons with emotional and behavioral diagnosis and community members that have experienced trauma and loss.
Nuzzles & Snuggles is a program held at the Reins of Life facilities. It utilizes horses to interact with people with disabilities for the purpose of education as well as physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Reins of Life's miniature horse visitation program brings miniature equines to libraries, church groups, schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.
VOLUNTEER
Reins of Life offers an exhilarating, joyful, highly motivating, and effective alternative environment to showcase the abilities of people with disabilities. We could not do any of this without our wonderful volunteers who share their time and talent with us. Horse knowledge is not necessary to start volunteering today. Reins of Life Staff and experienced volunteers will help teach you what you need to know. We love eager minds and are happy to welcome you to the Reins of Life family.
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The horse leaders assist with the therapeutic riding classes and other equine-assisted programs by focusing their attention on the horse.
Our riders have various difficulties to deal with and most of them need assistance during their therapeutic riding lessons. A sidewalker will assure the rider is safe and will help rider follow direction of instructor and stay focused.
Our horses are fed twice a day, every day of the week. Horse experience is helpful but not required. Feeders work in teams of 2 or 3, so there will always be at least one or more experienced feeders with a novice feeder.
Through a variety of activities & hands-on experiences, we offer the opportunity to learn equitation skills and explore their creativity and curiosity through crafts, nature and camp type activities.
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If you like to organize things, help with mailings, if using office equipment is your favorite thing; we need you.
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If you like to be outside, fix things and troubleshoot, we have opportunities for you too. You can help with a wide variety of duties and tasks related to the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds, walkways, and facilities.
Businesses, student and church groups often lend a hand when Reins is working on an specific project. Projects range from Clean-up Days to Data Collection Initiatives.
Our Board of Directors and Special Committees are made up of volunteers. If you have a business experience in marketing, finance, grant writing, fundraising, event planning and would like to share your time and talent to support our program contact us.
Reins loves Interns! ROL is a great place to complete your internship in social work, therapy focuses, equine studies and much more!
Volunteer ROL Ambassadors help Reins get our message out to the Michiana Region. Ambassadors assist in meetings and community outreach programs and events.